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Economic Study Shows Benefits of Changing Local Purchasing Habits

Ground-Breaking Study Indicates that Slight Shift in Purchasing Habits is Key to Sustaining City’s Unique Character and Bolstering the Local San Francisco Economy

Supporters of locally owned businesses and San Francisco neighborhoods are hailing a new economic study showing that San Franciscans fighting to preserve the unique character of their city can have their (locally-baked) cake and eat it, too.

The first of its kind in the nation, the San Francisco Retail Diversity Study was prepared by the specialized research firm Civic Economics (www.civiceconomics.com), examining four retail segments in-depth: books, sporting goods, toys and gifts and limited service dining.

Among the study’s key findings about localization

A slight shift in consumer purchasing behavior -- diverting just 10% of purchases from national chain stores to locally owned businesses – would, each year, create 1,300 new jobs and yield nearly $200 million in incremental economic activity.

The reverse is also true – a 10% shift away from local merchants would have a negative impact of equal but opposite magnitude.

For purchases where quality goods or knowledgeable service are especially important, shopping with a locally owned merchant can reward consumers with a more satisfying experience and enhance the value they receive.

The City of San Francisco and the various public institutions, which account for large volume purchases, can actively seek local bidders and provide assistance with procurement processes.

A substantial impact may also be achieved if public officials and institutions conscientiously seek local providers for routine, no-bid purchases.

The independent merchants of the city provide the community with a tremendous injection of economic activity.

"San Franciscans and visitors can significantly sustain and improve the uniquely rich character and the economy of our city with just a slight shift in their shopping patterns," said Hut Landon, Executive Director of the San Francisco Locally Owned Merchants Alliance, which commissioned the study.

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